Neptunia Oleracea Lour. Plant
Neptunia oleracea Lour., commonly known as water mimosa or sensitive neptunia, is a tropical plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to Southeast Asia and is widely distributed in countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
Common Names
The plant is known by several common names depending on the location. Some of the common names include water mimosa, sensitive neptunia, nila, tumpi, kancilan, akar sapu-sapu, and thot-not.
Uses
The plant has a wide range of uses both in traditional medicine and cuisine. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat various ailments such as skin infections, diabetes, and hypertension. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant are edible and widely consumed in Southeast Asia. The tender leaves and young stems are used in salads, soups, stews, and curries. The plant is also a good source of protein, minerals, and vitamins.
General Appearance
Neptunia oleracea Lour. is a creeping, semi-aquatic plant that grows in shallow waters. It has a thin stem that can grow up to 2m long and is covered with short, sharp, and curved thorns. The leaves are small, feathery, bipinnate, and sensitive to touch, folding and drooping when touched. The flowers are small, bright yellow, and bloom in clusters. The seeds are flat, round, and are about 2-3mm in diameter.
Light Requirements
Neptunia oleracea Lour. usually thrives well under full sunlight conditions. It has been observed that insufficient light can limit its growth and development. Therefore, this plant species requires an open area or full exposure to sunlight for proper growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from 20 to 35 °C. However, temperatures that are too low or too high can affect its growth. It is important to note that optimal growth occurs when temperatures are consistently between 25 and 30 °C.
Soil Requirements
The Neptunia oleracea Lour. can grow well in a variety of soils, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. However, it requires a soil that is rich in organic matter and well-draining. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for its cultivation. It is essential to note that the plant can thrive in both dry and wet soils, but good drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging.
Cultivation of Neptunia oleracea Lour.
Neptunia oleracea Lour. is an aquatic plant that grows well in wetlands, ponds, and marshy areas. To cultivate this plant, prepare an aquatic area that is around 20-30 cm deep with fertile soil. The pH of the soil should be between 6.5 and 7.5. Plant the seeds in the prepared soil, about 5-7 cm apart from each other. Ensure the seeds are covered with a thin layer of soil and water them immediately.
Watering Needs of Neptunia oleracea Lour.
Neptunia oleracea Lour. requires a significant amount of water to grow. This plant grows in aquatic environments, so it is essential to keep it constantly moist. Ensure that the water remains around 20-30 cm deep, and if the water level drops, refill it immediately. However, the water should not exceed 50 cm in depth.
Fertilization of Neptunia oleracea Lour.
Neptunia oleracea Lour. requires periodic fertilization to promote growth and health. Fertilizers containing nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are essential for this aquatic plant. During the growing season, fertilize the plant every month. Apply the fertilizers according to the manufacturer's instructions, and avoid over-fertilizing as it can harm the plant.
Pruning of Neptunia oleracea Lour.
Pruning is necessary to maintain the health and appearance of Neptunia oleracea Lour. To prune the plant, use a pair of clean, sharp scissors or shears. Prune the plant annually, clearing out any dead or damaged stems, leaves, and flowers using the scissors or shears. Remove the stems and leaves that are decaying and any debris that may have accumulated around the plant.
Propagation of Neptunia oleracea Lour.
Neptunia oleracea Lour., commonly known as water mimosa or sensitive plant, is a floating aquatic plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and South America. Neptunia oleracea Lour. can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Neptunia oleracea Lour. through seeds is relatively easy, although germination may take some time. To propagate using seeds, collect the mature pods from the plant when they turn brown. Then, dry the pods in a cool, dry place for a few days before cracking them open to collect the seeds. These seeds can then be sowed directly into the soil or a seed tray filled with a mixture of sand and peat moss.
It is recommended to soak the seeds in water for a few hours before sowing to hasten germination. The seeds should be placed on top of the moist soil and covered lightly with a thin layer of sand. Water the seeds immediately and keep the soil moist until germination, which usually takes about two to three weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Neptunia oleracea Lour. can also be propagated by stem cuttings, which is a quicker way to propagate this plant. To propagate using stem cuttings, cut a stem that is about four to six inches long from the mother plant using a sharp, sterilized pair of scissors. Ensure that the cutting has a few nodes or leaves, which will assist with rooting and subsequent growth.
Prepare a rooting medium by mixing sand and peat moss in equal parts and moistening it. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder and plant it in the prepared rooting medium. Place the cutting in a well-lit area, but avoid direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist by misting it regularly. The cutting will root within two to three weeks and can be transplanted into the permanent location.
Propagation by Division
Propagation of Neptunia oleracea Lour. through division is another method to increase the number of plants. This method is best done during the spring when the plant begins to grow actively. To propagate using division, carefully dig up the plant and loosen the soil around the root system.
Using a sterilized pair of scissors or knife, separate the plant into smaller clumps ensuring each clump has healthy roots and stems. Then, plant the divided plants into individual pots or directly into the soil in a location with adequate sunlight and moisture. The new plants will establish and grow quickly.
Disease and Pest Management for Neptunia oleracea Lour.
Neptunia oleracea Lour., commonly known as creeping sensitive plant, is a valuable plant widely used in traditional medicine. This delicate plant can suffer from various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective disease and pest management strategies to reduce the risk of crop loss.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Neptunia oleracea is damping off, which is caused by a fungal pathogen. The disease can lead to the death of young seedlings as it attacks the stem and roots, thus cutting off the plant's nutrient supply. To manage damping off, it is essential to keep the soil moist but not excessively wet, use sterilized soil, and avoid crowding of seedlings.
Another disease that affects Neptunia oleracea is leaf blight, which is characterized by the wilting and yellowing of leaves. The disease is caused by a fungal pathogen and can significantly reduce the plant's yield. To prevent leaf blight, it is essential to eliminate infected leaves and apply fungicides as soon as the symptoms appear.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that affect Neptunia oleracea is the aphid. These small insects feed on the plant's sap, causing it to wilt and deform. To prevent aphids, it is essential to plant the Neptunia oleracea away from other plants that attract aphids and to use insecticides. Neptunia oleracea may also be affected by thrips, which cause extensive damage by feeding on the plant's leaves, thus stunting growth. To manage thrips, it is essential to prune branches that are heavily infested and apply insecticides during the growing season.
Caterpillars can also cause significant damage to Neptunia oleracea by feeding on the plant's leaves, flowers, and fruits. It is essential to inspect the plant regularly and remove the caterpillars by hand or use insecticides.
Conclusion
Disease and pest management are essential for the optimal growth and yield of Neptunia oleracea. Implementing integrated pest management strategies, such as good cultural practices and the use of disease and pest-resistant varieties, can significantly reduce the incidence of pests and diseases and improve the health of the plants.
